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Sedans Midsize Sedans 2.0
13335 messages, Last post on Dec 04, 2009 at 8:29 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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I love the new Mazda 6. That car is gorgeous, and the handling and power sound right on the money. The outgoing model was a three-run homer, this one is a grand slam! I have owned Camrys, Accords, Luminas, Maximas, Grands Prix, and many other mid-sized sedans too. I love the new Chevy Malibu too. We need an SS version. The Camry is sharp and very attractive. The new Accord is a huge improvement over the looks of the older model. The Altima is great, sports car handling with musclecar speed. I am in love with the new Maxima. The Ford Fusion is a stylish and sporty little car. The mid-sized sedan category just might be the most varied and interesting one in all of new automobiledom. |
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I'm a fairly new driver (17) and my parents have agreed to help me pay for a car under $25,000 MSRP I'm interested in buying a 4-door mid-size sedan (which means not a small car like the civic/corolla) so I suppose, realistically, I have this to choose from: Honda Accord Mazda 6 Toyota Camry Ford Fusion Chevy Malibu Dodge Avenger Chrysler Sebring Hyundai Sonata Subaru Legacy Kia Optima Pontiac G6 I was wondering if people on these forums could help me narrow it down to the top 3 based on space, build quality, equipment, safety, value, and driving performance
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Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 6:28 am) 1. Honda and Toyota no longer have a monopoly on good build quality. Many would say that they have slipped, while other cars have stepped up a notch. Also, the Toyota has lots of engine but handles too softly for my taste. 2. If driving performance (meaning acceleration, handling, "fun to drive") is a priority, then the 2009 Mazda 6 ought to be on your short list. 3. The Fusion, which is based loosely on the previous-generation Mazda 6 platform, is a bit underpowered for some tastes but handles well and can be purchased for a lot less than most of the cars on the list if you are willing to push the dealership a little. 4. The Sonata and Optima are very good well built middle-of-the-road choices that offer good performance and economy for a good price. 5. If you're looking at the GM sedans, you would do well to consider the Saturn Aura rather than the Pontiac G6. 6. One frequent poster in this forum really loves his Sebring because of the electronic gadgets and the sound system. I'm glad he's happy with it. But most reports describe the Sebring and the Avenger in unflattering terms when compared to the rest of the cars on your list. 7. It's really hard to go wrong in the midsize sedan market right now, because most of the choices are quite good. Having said all that, the five I'd go test drive would be the Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, and Ford. Then I'd pick the one that felt "right" to me.
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Replying to: stephen987 (Sep 13, 2008 12:23 pm) I plan to test drive all these cars shortly, but could people that already own/have owned or have test-driven these cars tell me which would be first in terms of interior room and build quality EDIT: the car also has to be fairly luxurious and quiet on the road ( not a lot of road noise) |
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Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 12:42 pm) |
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Replying to: stephen987 (Sep 13, 2008 12:23 pm) |
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Replying to: bhmr59 (Sep 13, 2008 1:16 pm) oh yeah, and the Sonata has gotten horrible reviews from some of the sites I've been on as well, I've heard good things about the Ford Mondeo, but apparently, it's only available in Europe, is that true? |
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Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 1:19 pm) Yes, the Mondeo is a European-market car and unavailable in the US. That doesn't stop many US automotive writers from being envious though. I would second the idea of taking a look at the Hyundai Azera. The Ford Taurus is also worth examining if interior room is a top priority. As those who have been following this forum for a long time can attest, the idea of a "midsize sedan" is difficult to define. For many of us, the real question is "of the sedans I can buy for $25k, which one suits me best?" Fuel economy is often similar--compare the midsize Ford Fusion V6 to the fullsize Ford Taurus and you'll get a surprise--the Taurus, a bigger car with a bigger engine, still gets the same city mileage and better highway mileage according to EPA. I'd be interested to see where you found negative reviews of the Sonata--pretty much everything I've seen about the current version is very positive, including reviews at Edmunds.com, Car & Driver, Consumer Reports, and various syndicated automotive columns. |
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Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 1:19 pm) |
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Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 6:28 am) You didn't mention "style", which I applaud you for but let's be realistic, you're 17 so I'll bet style counts for something here, right?  You also didn't say what kind of "equipment" is most important to you. If you drive in the snow a lot, for example, that might tilt AWD cars like the Legacy, Fusion, and Milan in your favor. You didn't mention "fuel economy" in your list. But unless your folks are going to help you buy gas, I'd think that is important to you too. But anyway.... based on your list, plus the assumption that fuel economy and style both count for something, here's my top 3: * Sonata SE I4: Perhaps the best value in the segment, a fine blend of handling and ride, one of the roomiest interiors and trunks, tons of standard safety equipment, sharp interior and decent exterior, and a peppy but economical I4. * Mazda6 I4: Perhaps the sharpest looks in the segment, good power with decent if not great fuel economy, good blend of ride comfort and handling, lots of standard safety equipment, one of the roomiest interiors and trunks in the class, and lots of equipment available. Also the newest design in the class, so it won't be old very soon. * Accord LX-P: Roomiest interior in the class, great reputation for quality and reliability, good blend of ride and handling, great resale value, peppy engine (EX has a little more power than LX-P) with good fuel economy, BMW-esque exterior, has all the basic features you need, great standard safety features and crash protection. Another interesting choice would be the Passat. You could probably find a closeout 2008 for under $25k. Doesn't have the same reputation for reliability as do cars like the Accord and Sonata, but has great power, handling, build quality, and safety, and VWs tend to hold their value. |
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